2022-2023 Budget Approved
BUFFALO TRAIL PUBLIC SCHOOLS – 2022/23 Budget Approved
NEWS RELEASE – May 20, 2022
Dedicated to maximizing student learning, the Buffalo Trail Public Schools (BTPS) Board of Trustees approved the division’s 2022/23 budget on May 18, 2022, prioritizing direct classroom funding to support student success.
Anticipating BTPS’ student population will decrease by 70 students next year, the division’s budget outlines the total revenue from Alberta Education is $48,130,137 which includes $1,726,068 of Bridge/COVID mitigation funding. Overall, BTPS saw a decrease to our base instructional funding, services and supports funding and community funding from Alberta Education.
Of the total revenue from Alberta Education, in BTPS 73 per cent of the funding will be directed towards instruction for Kindergarten to Gr. 12 students, 11 per cent to operation and maintenance, 12 per cent to transportation, and 4 per cent to governance and administration.
Although instructional revenues declined, the government’s one-time funding allocation of $1.7 million for Bridge/COVID 19 mitigation funding was directed to our schools. Across the division, BTPS maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 – one of the best in the province.
Reflected in the budget is the Board’s decision to reduce BTPS’ supplemental and technology fees of $120/student to $60/student for the 2022/23 school year. Wanting to release financial pressure on families during these uncertain and challenging times, the board extended caution that declining enrolments and the loss of the Bridge/COVID mitigation funding may require the fee structure to be re-evaluated during its 2023/24 budget deliberations to help achieve a balanced budget.
In operations and maintenance, BTPS will receive an increase of $400,000, allowing the division to increase attention towards preventative maintenance projects and facility upgrades to enhance learning environments. Also, transportation funding saw a $400,000 increase, which will be allocated back to bus contractors. BTPS anticipates that rising fuel and insurance costs will quickly outpace revenues available. In its budget submission to Alberta Education, the board will advocate for the government to reinstate its fuel rebate program.
BTPS’ spending on governance and central office operations remains very lean and reflects the board’s commitment to maintaining a student-centred approach. For the 2022/23 school year, budgeted costs are in line with the government’s allocation of $2.2 million.
Regardless of the challenges ahead, BTPS is confident that we will maximize student learning in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team. Our students will continue to receive the highest quality education possible next year.
Buffalo Trail Public Schools fall budget will be posted on the division’s website under “About/Reports” by May 31, 2022.